"Demand for nickel in batteries is estimated to grow by over 500 per cent over the next decade, in large part to support the world's rising demand for electric vehicles," BHP said.
BlackRock upgraded Japanese stocks this week, saying that earnings growth will be lifted in the second half of this year, even as its "virus dynamics" improve.
A Chinese economist's keynote speech at a major asset manager's investment strategy event focused on international politics rather than the growth outlook.
The price of bitcoin rebounded after recently falling below the $30,000 mark. It traded at $32,142.16 as of 8:11 p.m. ET Wednesday, according to Coin Metrics.
Wendy Sherman's trip to China marks the second time the world's two largest economies hold high-level, in-person talks since President Joe Biden took office.